Finally we’re seeing a little sun of late, which for me is a reminder that summer is - maybe? - on its way and new sunscreen needs to go on the shopping list. Whenever I’ve asked beauty experts – be they dermatologists, make up artists or cosmetic surgeons – for their pick when it comes to anti ageing skincare, they all agree that the most important thing you can do to keep your skin looking good well into old age is wear a sunscreen. Daily. No arguments, no forgetting on a cloudy day. Add to that the fact that an estimated 90 per cent of all melanomas in Australasia are caused by direct sunlight, making daily sunscreen use an absolute no brainer. Most sunscreens last twelve months max after being opened too, so if you’re still got some sitting around in your beach bag or glove box from this time last year then chuck it - ASAP!

One formula I love is Cosmedix Reflect, which combines a high performance sunblock with skin-loving ingredients. A physical, oil-free, spray-dispensed sunscreen that won’t clog pores and is gentle enough for even the most sensitive and oil-prone skin types, it provides broad-spectrum UV protection that absorbs quickly leaving a matte finish. Whilst it’s protecting your skin a combination of science and botanical ingredients help firm things and smooth lines, whilst free radical-fighting antioxidants defend skin from environmental stress that can cause inflammation and damage to collagen and elastin. Pretty impressive stuff! It is also formulated free of petroleum-based oils, and for those with severe gluten sensitivities or Dermatitis Herpetiformis, Reflect is gluten free.

A new natural formula I have discovered of late is Natural Sunscreen from Eco By Sonya Driver - a vegetarian, reef-friendly sunscreen to protect the whole family. Sitting on the skin’s surface and staying out of the bloodstream, this formula creates a physical barrier between your skin and the sun by actively deflecting the sun’s UVA rays that have an ageing effect on the skin, and UVB rays that result in burning. It is up to three hours water resistant thanks to ethically sourced beeswax, and I love that the reef-friendly formula means you can snorkel without the associated guilt that many sun protection options bring. It is in fact formulated without any harsh synthetics, but has loads of yummy ingredients like Vitamin E, Green Tea, Rose Hip, Jojoba, Cucumber extract and Safflower to boost its efficacy on the natural front.

Another formula for their face that also doubles as a moisturiser is Aspect Gold Hydra Shield SPF 15, a lightweight yet super-hydrating little number with physical sun protecting benefits. Hydra-Shield SPF15’s ingredient list includes potent skin protecting antioxidants, skin hydrators and nourishing botanical oils, and the non-greasy formula is suitable for all Fitzpatrick skin colours and all skin conditions, including sensitive. It doesn’t leave a chalky look on the skin after application either, making it perfect for under makeup.

For those of you old enough to get nostalgic about tanning oils, Australian sun specialists Bondi Sands have created one that has the same vibe but won’t fry your skin. Called Protect & Tan Oil, it may be this summer’s go-to for those wanting to fast-track their natural tan, as it has a faux glow aspect too. Handily containing both a self-tanning and SPF factor in a global first, it even comes with a signature coconut scent that smells like pure, unadulterated, lazy summer days.

A product line that combines delicious scents and sun protection is COOLA, a collection of organic sun essentials out of Southern California that I have unabashedly preached about here before. Highly recommended is the brand’s high performance Sunscreen Spray SPF30, which comes in scents like Piña Colada and Citrus Mimosa. A “Farm to Face” sourced spray with zero nasties; it effectively reproduces that feeling of lying prone on a towel on the sand, but is formulated for the rigorous demands of sport and is water resistant for 80 minutes.

Lastly, NZ Sunscreen Company released Pure Shade Moisturizing Brightening SPF 50+ Sunscreen and Pure Shade Moisturizing Brightening Antipollution After Sun Repair earlier this year. Sunscreen-skincare hybrids, the company calls them a “two-step skincare system designed to be used together for ultimate skin protection and rejuvenation”. The Moisturising Brightening Sunscreen has an SPF 50+ - one application reportedly protects your skin for over 8 hours - and its ultra light illuminating formula won’t leave your skin white, chalky or greasy.

Last up, one of the best beauty brands on the block according to Allure magazine is France’s La Roche-Posay. Recently arrived in New Zealand, its core ingredient is also therapeutic thermal water – one that contains a high concentration of Selenium, which has demonstrated anti-free radical, anti-irritation, soothing and healing properties with undeniable therapeutic virtues for the skin. The water is used at the La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water Centre in France, which treats over 10,000 patients a year for a variety of inflammatory skin diseases and injuries from eczema to burns. Their Anthelios suncare range is legendary, packed with beautifully light formulas that are fragrance-free, paraben free, non-comedogenic and water resistant. La Roche-Posay also offers the first connected wearable UV patch to encourage safer sun behaviour and help minimise sunburn. Called My UV patch, it is a transparent adhesive containing photosensitive dyes that change colour when exposed to UV rays to indicate varying levels of sun exposure.

Like the cushion foundation, the sheet mask trend began in Korea – and erupted all over Instagram. They are available for whatever beauty issue ails you, and they range from the seriously expansive to insanely affordable, so there is no excuse not to jump on the bandwagon!

An all new, New Zealand option is Fernz Stem Cell Rejuvenating Face Masks, which are powerful sheet masks that promote balance in the skin at a cellular level, resulting in improved elasticity, reduced inflammation, intense hydration and the rejuvenation of the skin’s barrier.

Perfect for replenishing loss radiance over the party season, these little wonders harness the benefits of New Zealand Manuka Honey, New Zealand Bee Venom and Swiss Apple Stem cells fora multi-faceted approach.An excellent moisture booster, Manuka Honey offers skin intense hydration and delivers antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, while New Zealand Bee Venom works to stimulate circulation and plump the skin’s surface. To complement the hive sourced ingredients found in the Fernz Stem Cell Rejuvenating Masks, the addition of Witch Hazel and Horse Chestnut also support hydration and oxygen retention, strengthening the skin barrier and protecting against pollutants. Magic.

The cell support comes from stem cells derived from a rare Swiss apple and aid the skin’s own stem cells in the process of cellular regeneration and tissue renewal, resulting in visibly smoother skin.

They are designed to be used 2-3 times a week but realistically, most of us don’t have that much free time, so the fact that they are super high performance is a bonus! They are the perfect boost of care before an event or during long haul travel, and with an RRP of $28.80 for five definitely won’t break the bank.

When I heard that one of M.A.C Cosmetics’ latest collabs was with model and jewellery designer Jade Jagger I just knew that it would be seriously rock n’ roll, and I wasn’t disappointed. Blue bloody rock royalty, her boho-esque, party girl style is legendary, and the capsule collection she has created with the brand is all that and more.

The limited edition eight-piece capsule collection is made up of eye shadow quads, lipsticks and iconic Skinfinish powders, and arrives in store in New Zealand in less than a week. There are two shimmering metallic eye shadow quads (Burning Nights and Golden Shine), two blush options (Moon Shimmer, and Perfect Bronze, a golden Skinfinish powder and three lipsticks; Opal Beach, a peach nude, Sunset Pearl, a rosy brown and Rolling Red, a striking scarlet. Each product drips with the cool glamour of the designer’s vision, which you can read a little more about here…

Can you share with us your inspiration for the collection?

Maybe I’m not quite as young and adventurous as my daughters are with makeup, but my inspiration speaks truly to the gold tones since they suit everyone and are universally accepted no matter the time of the day.

I love the lipsticks and the eye shadow palettes because the application is so buildable. I can go quite natural during the day and while I’m in the car going to an event at night I can use that same lipstick or palette to create a more defined or daring look.

The jewel-like tones and reflective pigments in my M∙A∙C collection were inspired by the precious stones used in my jewellery designs. M∙A∙C’s Mineralize franchise was the obvious choice for my products because they contain over 70 minerals and properties that promote extra hydration in the skin while imitating my designs perfectly.

How was the creative process with M.A.C and what was the key concept you wanted to deliver?

The creative process with M.A.C was nothing short of amazing. Everyone was so creative, inspiring, and kind hearted, really making sure to take my visions and bring them to fruition. I really had to understand that there was an entire process to learn when it comes to creating a makeup line and deciding on what the packaging would look like. It was great to have creative liberty and really make something that I feel so proud of.

What was your first memory of M.A.C?

One of my first memories of M.A.C was when I was in New York and I saw a billboard with the brand’s name on it. I can’t quite remember who the VIVA GLAM spokesperson was, or it could have been for a store opening, but it really caught and kept my attention. M.A.C is still as striking, memorable, and bold to this day.

What does beauty in fashion mean to you and how does it resonate in your M.A.C collaboration?

To me, beauty and fashion should be something ageless and timeless like style. It needs to be something that appeals to people of all ages and from all facets of life and I think we did just that with my M.A.C collaboration.

For my personal take on beauty and fashion, I create ensembles and make sure everything goes with one another. I try to decide what the topic of my look will be. Will it be a bold lip, or a piece of jewellery I want to show off, or perhaps a dress that’s a show-stopper? It’s so important for me not too clash and understanding that too many good things can end up being wrong.

Who is Jade Jagger and who are her role models/strongest influences?

Jade Jagger is a mother and a designer and a strong willed and sexy person to me. I’m influenced by so many things in the world and we are so fortunate to be alive. Different points in nature and the insurgence of cultures really brings indigenous beauty to the forefront of my mind. I love getting inspiration from modern people and architecture and studying the simple things like the shape of a leaf or the colour of the sky.

Finding influence in these ways has always been a big part of me. It’s so hard to remember everything that I’ve been inspired by but Andy Warhol played a huge part since he was so intimate with his work yet it appealed to such a huge culture.

What are the similarities and differences in launching this collection and designing your pieces?

Designing my jewellery pieces is quite similar to developing my collection with M.A.C when it came to gathering ideas and understanding the needs and the wants.

The main difference that I found was that with my M.A.C collaboration, we are creating so many products that are being launched as a collection. There needs to be elements that connect each piece to one another and create this comprehensive makeup story that we are trying to tell. When it comes to my jewellery designs, I’m not necessarily looking at it as a collection, but rather I make a lot of unique one-off pieces that create individual stories of their own.

How do you keep your designs refreshing and unique?

Each year we go through a regeneration process. We get influence by bringing all of these different experiences together whether the basis is architecture or the garden, I’m able to determine these new concepts based on everything I’m exposed to. I’m always keeping notes and doing sketches, so delivering unique pieces is a stable yet growing and organic process.

Long before it was de rigueur to do so, global make up giant M.A.C were heavily involved in the fight against AIDS, through the sale of their Viva Glam lipsticks and other less high profile support like staff collections and helping out at various HIV/AIDS-related organisations. To say that the brand has made one hell of a difference for those living with HIV and AIDS would be an understatement - they are awesome and totally committed.

The VIVA GLAM campaign is the heart and soul of M.A.C’s fundraising efforts for the cause, and has also spawned a collection of seriously fabulous lipsticks and glosses to boot. The latest celebrity face (or perhaps not?!) to be named as a VIVA GLAM spokesperson is the enigmatic Sia, who blew fans away at her concert in Auckland last night. The cosmetics giant and Aussie-born musical wunderkind most famous for hits like "Cheap Thrills" and "Chandelier" have teamed up for a very special collab, which features just one stand-alone product: a M.A.C. VIVA GLAM lipstick, which will be available in February next year. The singer's team took to her official Instagram page to announce the new partnership, which comes with a super wearable, warm red shade of lipstick that is destined to be a hit.

As with every VIVA GLAM collection, every cent from the selling price of Sia’s Viva Glam lipstick will go to the M.A.C AIDS Fund, which helps women, men and children living with and affected by HIV/AIDS. Helping to drive fundraising for the M·A·C AIDS Fund have been a cadre of celebrity spokespeople. Each connected with a specific shade of VIVA GLAM Lipstick, these spokespeople have made public appearances and appeared in advertisements to raise money and awareness for the fight against HIV and AIDS. The inaugural VIVA GLAM spokesperson was performer, RuPaul. Since then, others have joined the ranks, including k.d. lang, Mary J. Blige, Sir Elton John, Shirley Manson, Lil’ Kim, Missy Elliott, Boy George, Linda Evangelista, Chloë Sevigny, Christina Aguilera, Pamela Anderson, Debbie Harry, Lisa Marie Presley, Eve, Dita Von Teese, Fergie, Cyndi Lauper, Lady Gaga, Rihanna and Miley Cyrus… and now, Sia.

It’s a crazy busy time of the year for most of us, with lunch and evening goings on and barely enough time to zip up your dress/pants let alone apply a face of celebration- worthy makeup.

Lucky for us then that Bobbi Brown have made things a hell of a lot easier with the release of their new Luxe Eye Shadow, which is in store now.

Key to their beautiful – as per – holiday gifting collection, the high-impact shadow formula delivers gorgeous, multidimensional colour, and comes in three dramatic and distinctive finishes depending on how much you love to sparkle. There is high-shimmer Rich Lustre, molten foil Rich Metal, and super-charged Rich Sparkle, and the cream/powder finish means it goes on super quick by giving full, intense pigment with just one swipe. This makes it perfect for those events when day turns to night, and you can even amp things up further by adding a drop of water to your brush for a liquid metal look or to line. I love that! I’ve tried the latter and can confidently say it looks major, and it lasts and lasts.

Luxe Eye Shadow offers all-day wear that won’t crease or fade, and some pretty crazy technology is at work to ensure that your application is flawless:

• The Ultimate 3-D Effect: Chroma pigments are coated in a flat, plate-like layer that allows for extra light penetration, resulting in highly pigmented multidimensionality for the ultimate 3-D effect

• Velvety Smooth Texture: The hybrid formula combines the best of baked, pressed, cream, and liquid formulas to create a velvety, bouncy, and aerated texture that allows for pick-up and payoff

Available in 12, extremely wearable lust-worthy shades, the new formula can be patted on or smudged across the eyelid for instant, luxurious colour in one swipe, as well as layered for your own custom colour.

Bobbi Brown’s new Luxe Eye Shadow is on counter now with an RRP of $70, in twelve beautiful shades. Six are limited edition and all are extremely covetable, so I say get in there now!

By Helene Ravlich

About the author:

Helene Ravlich is a freelance writer based in Auckland, New Zealand. A self-confessed beauty fanatic with over fifteen years in the business of writing about all things pretty and beautiful, she has a passion for organic formulations and high performance skincare and is constantly on the search for THE perfect red lipstick. Mum to eight year old whirlwind Wolf, she has written for magazines, websites and newspapers in New Zealand and internationally and loves music, dogs and a good red wine.

Copyright Notice:

The work on PB is copyright. Apart from use permitted under the Copyright Act, no part may be reproduced by any process, nor may any other exclusive right be exercised without the permission of Helene Ravlich, 2009.

Disclaimer:

Pretty Beautiful claims no credit for the images or magazine content featured on the blog and operates on the understanding that if we receive any complaints about the use of content or images they will be removed. To request the removal of content or images please email helene@mshelene.com